Costa Mesa to host 65th Fish Fry at new spot

Fried cod in secret-sauce batter is expected to draw in thousands of people for the 65th annual Lions Fish Fry and Carnival this weekend at Fairview Park. FILE PHOTO: CINDY YAMANK

1 of 6

Del Mar Sea Scout volunteer helpers dish out the tartar sauce for the fish fry dinners at a previous Fish Fry and Carnival. The event raises tens of thousands of dollars for local charities. FILE PHOTO: KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 6

The City Council approved a plan to allow the Costa Mesa-Newport Lions' 65th Annual Fish Fry to move to Fairview Park this year. Normally held at Lions Park, the event was moved because the city was concerned that carnival rides would damage the newly renovated turf at Davis Field. Shelli Martin, 17, of Huntington Beach rides the Yo-Yo during the Lions Club's 63rd annual Fish Fry & Carnival. FILE PHOTO: KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Before the performance, trumpet player Tuhan Bedi, 18, rests and watches fellow Costa Mesa High School jazz band members' equipment while Davis Magnet School Choir performs at a previous Fish Fry. FILE PHOTO: KEN STEINHARDT, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 6

Mike Scheafer at the Lions' Fish Fry in Costa Mesa last year. FILE PHOTO: THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Graphics

COSTA MESA – The Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club will host the 65th annual Fish Fry and Carnival this weekend at Fairview Park.

The Fish Fry benefits a number of charities through Lions Clubs International, including local Boys & Girls Clubs.

In addition to the carnival rides and games, the Lions Club serves up the popular $10 fish dinner, which includes French fries, coleslaw and fish fried with a secret batter recipe.

The event also includes an annual Baby Contest, in which babies are judged on beauty, personality and overall appearance. Parents can enter their child up until the contest begins. Three winners are awarded a trophy – although all babies receive an award for participating.

"We get more complaints about the baby contest than any other part of the Fish Fry," said event co-chair Mike Scheafer, sometimes known as "Mr. Fish Fry." "I mean it's all in good fun ... but I wouldn't judge that contest to save my life."

"We've been overwhelmed and excited about the support we've gotten from the community for the move," Scheafer said. "There have been concerns (since) Fairview Park is kind of an environmental area. We'll mitigate problems as much as we can."

Along with the change in venue, Schaefer says there's one other addition to the carnival: this is the first year the Fish Fry will serve beer and wine.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.